We first fell in love with Benitses (Μπενίτσες, Mpenitses) back in 2018.
Benitses is located on the main road which connects the south of the island to Corfu Town. Nestled between the mountains and sea, this small Greek fishing village has its own unique charm. Despite being a holiday hotspot in the early 1980s Benitses has somehow managed to retain its traditional charm and identity from the narrow streets of the old town to row upon row of tavernas cooking the most delicious fresh fish, seafood and Greek specialities imaginable.
In 2018 we booked a super last-minute holiday on a tight budget to Kavos. The children (aged 11, 9 and 7 at the time) had fallen in love with their holiday purchased snorkelling sets but the sandy beach of Kavos made snorkelling difficult, on the recommendation of our resort staff we packed up a day bag and hopped on the bus. Catching a bus is an adventure in itself and it’s a great way to see the wonderful sites of Corfu. We had a perfect day, so much so in 2019, we spent 10 days in Benitses at the stunning Skevoulis Studios a short walk from the beach but nestled in the mountains, backed by poker straight Cyprus tree. I spent many moments just sitting on our balcony, sipping a Mythos and taking in every inch. Benitses is a feast for the eyes.
When David and I celebrated our 20 year anniversary in 2021 of course Benitses was our port of call for the day and every year it gets better. We arrived the day after the grand opening of the newly refurbished Marina, gorgeous coffee shop and most Instagramable wall ever!
Mural painted by Guzel Rakhmatullina
Benitses is steeped in a rich multicultural heritage, Achilleion Palace was built by the Empress of Austria-Hungary Elizabeth (Sissy) and later owned by Kaiser William II. Whilst Achilleion Palace is a mere 3km walk from Benitses remember 3km uphill in baking 40° heat, with 3 children and an OAP is not the same as a Sunday morning stroll in England around the local country park. BUT it’s bloody worth the effort! Kaiser Wilhelm II had a bridge built starting from Achilleion Palace to Benitses Beach where he enjoyed his morning swim, known as Kaiser Bridge. Today you can still see and walk the end sections of the bridge but the middle section was blown up by the German Wehrmacht during World War II, to enable military vehicles to pass underneath. Honestly, Corfu is fascinating!
5 Amazing Activities To Do In Benitses Corfu:
Benitses Beach: As already mentioned Benitses is the perfect beach for snorkelling, thanks to the crystal clear waters. This is due to the Posidonia meadows which clean the water by filtering toxic substances, heavy minerals and carbon dioxide. Although Posidonia looks like seaweed it’s actually a water plant, providing oxygen, shelter and food for the small fish. You don’t even need to swim out far or use your snorkel to see sea caterpillars and tiny fish, beware they may look cute but those tiny fish love to nibble feet! You can either hire sun loungers on the quiet end of the beach, many of the tavernas provide free sun loungers and WIFI when purchasing drinks from them. There’s also a small water park and speed boats. We love spending our time collecting and hunting for sea glass and treasures luckily the crystal clear waters in Benitses never disappoint.
Fishing On The Pier: Benitses main road is filled to the brim with gift shops, boutiques and supermarkets busting at the seems with curiosities, including snorkels and basic fishing roads. We brought Charlie a little cheap rod in 2019 armed with a loaf of bread it made a great early evening activity when it’s too early to eat but you’ve had enough of the beach or swimming pool. Surprisingly he caught a whole host of little fishes which we popped back. One evening Charlie and his cousins weren’t having much luck catching a lovely German man who came over and helped them out. The universal language of fishing.
Roman Baths: Signposted from the main road up a winding path you will find the remains of a Roman Bath. The entrance is between Captain Octopus restaurant and a house, it feels sort of odd walking through an alley between houses but at the end, you will find the Roman Baths. There is a metal fence stopping you from climbing on the ruins however you can still see the floor mosaics. Well worth a trundle around when you are visiting Benitses.
Eating: I’m not even kidding you. I’ve never had a bad meal! With more than 50+ tavernas, including Italian and Chinese, snack bars (there’s even a crepe bar!), and takeaway food options there is something to please everyone (even a food fussy 8 year old, never seen her eat so many meals!). One area of the main road is brimming with tightly packed tavernas serving delicious fresh seafood, and traditional Greek dishes. So whether you want to grab a gyro or souvlaki wrap from the kiosk to eat on the go or sit down with a Greek salad and moussaka, you are spoilt for choice.
Greek Dancing: Potamaki Beach Hotel traditional Greek dancing nights, so good we went twice! I absolutely loved the traditional music, dancing and costumes such a fun experience, The atmosphere was electric and even the girls got up and joined in. We also had a meal at Avra on the Beach and unexpectedly were treated to some greek dancing, I was encouraged (made) to join in (badly I might add!) followed by dancing and balancing tables on fire! Another evening we had drinks in Avra and they had live music, it’s situated on the beach which makes it handy for entertaining children and atmospheric, there’s nothing like the sound of lapping waves.
Have you ever visited Benitses? What’s your favourite thing to do?
5 Amazing Activities To Do In Benitses Corfu.
5 καταπληκτικές δραστηριότητες στις Μπενίτσες της Κέρκυρας.
5 katapliktikés drastiriótites stis Benítses tis Kérkyras.
